tmux

Overview

The tmux (Terminal Multiplexer) command creates a terminal session manager that allows multiple terminal sessions to be accessed and controlled from a single terminal. It’s a modern alternative to screen.

Syntax

tmux [options] [command]

Common Options

Option Description
-2 Force 256 colors
-c file Config file
-f file Alternative config
-L socket Socket name
-S socket Socket path
-u UTF-8 mode
-v Verbose logging
-V Show version
-l List sessions
-s session Session name
-t target Target session

Key Bindings

Command Action
Ctrl-b c Create window
Ctrl-b n Next window
Ctrl-b p Previous window
Ctrl-b d Detach session
Ctrl-b % Split vertical
Ctrl-b " Split horizontal
Ctrl-b x Kill pane
Ctrl-b & Kill window
Ctrl-b [ Copy mode
Ctrl-b ] Paste buffer

Key Use Cases

  1. Session management
  2. Remote work
  3. Project organization
  4. Process monitoring
  5. Pair programming

Examples with Explanations

Example 1: New Session

tmux new -s mysession

Create named session

Example 2: Attach Session

tmux attach -t mysession

Attach to existing session

Example 3: List Sessions

tmux ls

Show running sessions

Common Usage Patterns

  1. Start named:

    tmux new -s name

  2. Split window:

    Ctrl-b % (vertical)
Ctrl-b " (horizontal)

  3. Session management:

    tmux list-sessions
tmux kill-session -t name

Security Considerations

  1. Socket permissions
  2. Session access
  3. Clipboard security
  4. Remote access
  5. Multi-user mode

Additional Resources

Best Practices

  1. Name sessions
  2. Use windows
  3. Configure status
  4. Custom bindings
  5. Regular cleanup

Configuration

  1. ~/.tmux.conf
  2. Key bindings
  3. Status line
  4. Colors/theme
  5. Plugin system

Troubleshooting

  1. Session issues
  2. Color problems
  3. Key conflicts
  4. Plugin errors
  5. Performance